Siyeh Pass Trail: 9.4-Mile Glacier Hike to Siyeh Pass

Q: Do I need a permit to hike Siyeh Pass?

Yes. Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservations are required for access from late May to mid-September. A Special Park Use permit may be needed for organized groups; backpacking permits are required for overnight.

Q: How long does Siyeh Pass take?

Estimate 6-9 hours for a point-to-point hike; faster hikers may finish closer to 4 hours, casual hikers around 6 hours.

Q: Is the shuttle necessary for this route?

Yes. The point-to-point hike relies on the Glacier National Park shuttle between Siyeh Bend and Sunrift Gorge; be prepared for up to ~1 hour wait.

Q: What about water and gear?

Carry 2-3 liters of water minimum; Siyeh Creek is usable but plan for ascent, keep layers handy, trekking poles recommended, bear spray essential, and microspikes/ice axe if early season snow is present.

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Overview

About This Trail

Climb 9.4 miles round trip to Siyeh Pass with 2,135–2,300 ft of gain. The hike starts at Siyeh Bend, offers high-elevation meadows and wide views, but parking is limited and the day runs 5–6 hours.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous to Challenging

Hike If / Skip If

This route suits an experienced high-elevation hiker with solid fitness for a sustained ascent and exposure. Expect rugged surfaces and potential changes in weather; carry 2–3 liters of water per person, use trekking poles, and be bear-aware as you traverse alpine meadows and forest edges.

Trail Highlights

Alpine meadows with abundant wildflowers, panoramic views of Mt. Siyeh and Matahpi Peak, and a glimpse of Sexton Glacier along the way.

The Sweat Reality

Strenuous hike: 9.4 miles round trip to Siyeh Pass with about 2,135–2,300 ft of elevation gain. Plan 5–6 hours total, including breaks, with potential for variable weather and alpine exposure.

The Arrival Protocol

Siyeh Bend Trailhead sits along Going-to-the-Sun Road, 2.2–2.8 miles east of Logan Pass. Parking is limited to pullouts near the hairpin curve, so arrive by 7:00 AM for best odds. For a point-to-point loop to Sunrift Gorge, you’ll need a shuttle from Sunrift Gorge back to Siyeh Bend (waits can reach about an hour). There are no restrooms at the trailhead; Logan Pass has facilities nearby.

Insider Tips

• Start before 8 AM to beat crowds, heat, and potential afternoon storms. • Use shuttle for point-to-point to Sunrift Gorge. • Bear spray and noise-making practice essential. • Trekking poles highly recommended. • Check shuttle wait times; plan for delays.

Best Season to Hike

Late June/Early July through October, depending on snowmelt

Hiking Tips

Carry 2-3 liters water minimum.
Trekking poles recommended.
Bear spray essential; make noise.
Layer up; microspikes if snow.
Start early to catch shuttle; expect up to 1h wait.

Family Info

Not recommended for young children or anyone afraid of heights due to steep sections and exposure

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 9.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,135 ft

Duration: 6-9 hours for the full point-to-point hike; 4-6 hours for faster hikers.

Difficulty: Strenuous to Challenging

Route Type: Point-to-Point (shuttle required) or Out-and-back

Surface: Packed dirt, forest floor, loose scree, rocky slopes

Getting There

Trailhead: Siyeh Bend Trailhead on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, ~2.2–2.8 miles east of Logan Pass

Parking: Limited at Siyeh Bend

Fills Up: Parking fills early, sometimes by 7:30-8:00 AM; arrive before 7:00 AM

Requirements

Permit Required

Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation required for access between late May and mid-September. Special Park Use permit may be required for organized or guided groups. Backpacking permits required for overnight stays.

Fees: Vehicle reservations have a fee (historically $2 in 2022). Standard park entrance fees apply.

Shuttle Required

Glacier National Park shuttle system operates between Siyeh Bend and Sunrift Gorge; wait times can reach up to an hour.

Trail Rules

Dogs: false

Biking: false

Trail Markers: Trail markers present in most sections; bring map for point-to-point shuttle routing

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Siyeh Creek on the route; filter water; carry extra for ascent

Shade: Mixed: dense forest sections plus open alpine meadows with full sun

Cell Service: Generally unreliable; emergency calls may be possible in some locations

Hazards:

Carry bear spray; make noise in bear country; check forecast for lightning; use poles on scree and watch footing on exposed descents. Early season snow may require ice axe/crampons.

Emergency: Glacier National Park rangers; dial 911 for emergencies

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Less crowded than some Glacier trails, but can be busy during peak season

Peak Times: Midsummer weekends; mornings earlier than 8 AM are quieter

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and steep in places; mixed accessibility

Family Notes:

Not recommended for young children or anyone afraid of heights due to steep sections and exposure

Nearby Facilities

No restrooms at Siyeh Bend trailhead; nearest facilities near Logan Pass or Sunrift Gorge

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 30 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

Best spot to go in glacier national park. . . I mean don’t go here it sucks theres too many people already. Oh and there’s plenty of bears so if you want to see those come here.

I started my 10 mile hiking from the bend and finished at Sunrift Gorge. This is unforgettable journey with amazing views at both sides of the pass. I will recommend start from the bend not the other side for less elevation gain.

Trails at Glacier NP never disappoints. Close to 10 miles round trip and high difficulty level during the last mile and half with steep ascend. I started the trail from Siyeh pass trailhead and connected to Siyeh pass trail junction which was around 2.7 miles from the start Amazing views throughout the trail, started with lush green both side and then rocky mountain later on. Once we reach we one can keep continuing towards the other side.

Showing 3 of 30 reviews

FAQs

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. It’s bear country. Carry bear spray, make noise, and store all food and scented items securely.

Do I need a permit to hike Siyeh Pass?

How long does Siyeh Pass take?

Is the shuttle necessary for this route?

What about water and gear?

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Siyeh Pass Trail

Overview

About This Trail

Highlights

The Sweat Reality

The Arrival Protocol

Insider Tips

Best Season to Hike

Hiking Tips

Family Info

Details

Trail Specifications

Getting There

Requirements

Trail Rules

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Crowd Info

Accessibility & Family

Nearby Facilities

Location

Address & Directions

Reviews

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Siyeh Pass Trail

Overview

About This Trail

Highlights

The Sweat Reality

The Arrival Protocol

Insider Tips

Best Season to Hike

Hiking Tips

Family Info

📚 Explore 1 Article About Siyeh Pass Trail

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